What does the pitch on Moses' ark represent?
The pitch used to seal Moses' ark is a picture of the atonement, pointing forward to the work of the cross. It symbolizes the covering and redemption accomplished by Christ, who would become the Savior of mankind and bring in the true atonement.
Les explains that the pitch used to caulk and seal the ark is a picture of the atonement. He notes that everything in this account points to the work of the cross, and that the Old Testament consistently looks forward to the time when Christ would become the Savior of mankind and bring in the true atonement. The sealing with pitch thus illustrates the covering and redemption that would be accomplished by Christ.